Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais (French pronunciation: [pʁɔm.nad de.z‿ɑ̃ɡlɛ]; Niçard: Camin dei Anglés; literally: Walkway of the English) is a promenade along the Mediterranean at Nice, France. It extends from the airport on the west to the Quai des États-Unis (United States Quay) on the east, a distance of approximately 7 km.[1]
History
Starting in the second half of the 18th century, the English aristocracy took to spending the winter in Nice, enjoying the panorama along the coast. In 1820, when a particularly harsh winter up north brought an influx of beggars to Nice, some of the English proposed a useful project for them: the construction of a walkway (chemin de promenade) along the sea. It was paid for by the Rev. Lewis Way.[2]
The city of Nice, intrigued by the prospect of a pleasant promenade, greatly increased the scope of the work. The Promenade was first called the Camin deis Anglés (the English Way) by the Niçois in their native dialect Nissart. After the annexation of Nice by France in 1860 it was rechristened La Promenade des Anglais.
The Promenade was the site of the team time trial in the 2013 Tour de France, held on 2 July 2013.
Modern day
For the local inhabitants, the Promenade des Anglais has simply become the Promenade or, for short, La Prom. On Sundays, bicyclists, baby strollers, and whole families can be seen out for a stroll along the Promenade. It has also become a favorite place for skateboarders and in-line skaters.
Aside from numerous events such as the annual Nice Carnival, the Battle of Flowers, etc. that take place along the Promenade, the Promenade has its blue chairs (chaises bleues) and cabanas perfect for a lazy time along the Mediterranean and for contemplation of the azure water of the Bay of Angels (la Baie des Anges).
2016 Bastille Day attack
On 14 July 2016, a truck was deliberately driven at revellers celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade. The driver, 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, also shot at others before crossing the road in the vehicle to continue the assault. The vehicle was surrounded by police near the Palais de la Méditerranée, and Bouhlel was shot dead. 84 were killed, and many others injured. Two people later died, bringing the number of victims up to 86.[3]
References
- ↑ nice-tourism.com, Promenade des Anglais Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ↑ Price, Stanley & Price, Munro. The Road to Apocalypse: The Extraordinary Journey of Lewis Way'. (2011)
- ↑ "Nice attack: At least 84 killed by lorry at Bastille Day celebrations". BBC News.
External links
Media related to Promenade des Anglais (Nice) at Wikimedia Commons